As always, the indefatigable Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen saw to it that arts, culture, tradition and music highlighted Iriga City’s 44th Charter Foundation Anniversary. Once more, we were witness to her dedication and determination to make the occasion as special as possible for her constituents. After all, this is her last term as city executive.

As early as Aug. 30, Mayor Gazmen spearheaded a lot of activities for the Irigiños, including a fun walk, the launch of Oplan Walang Plastikan Program and other City Ordinances under the LGU Iriga City, the visit of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia at the new Government Center (Aug. 31). Medical Mission: Operation Cleft Palate under Dr. Romer Trinidad (Aug. 30-31), Tree Planting (Aug. 31), as a Foundation Day Celebration of the PICPA Camsur Chapter under Imelda T. Zaragoza, chapter president; Mt. ASOG Extreme Bike Challenge (Ride with the Gang) with Atty. Aldo P. Turiano. There was also an Exhibition Game by the Rincorada Ban Association (held at the City Colosseum), and Rincorada Bar Association Fellowship Night in celebration of their 60th anniversary last Sept. 1, led by Fiscal Robert6o M. Jocom Jr.

On that day, there was also a Nine Balls Billiard Tournament and a Scouts Run around the city proper. On Sept. 2, the Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen Cup Shootfest with the Gang was launched at the USANT Firing Range with Engr. Solomon Ngo in charge.

On Sept. 3, the actual charter anniversary date, a concelebrated mass started the day-long festivities, followed by an awarding ceremony and capped by a civic and military parade. Participants were all the schools in Iriga and the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army, Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camsur.

And as a tribute to the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, interpretative dances were performed by the MAD Dancers whose choreographer was trained under Douglas Nierras.

In the evening, a concert by Juris, 4 K Barrel, Brownman Revival and Kamikazee bands was held in front of the new City Market.

By the way, upon our arrival in Naga last Sept. 1, we proceeded to Eternal Gardens to visit Sec. Robredo’s tomb which has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from as far as Laguna, Bulacan and other provinces. That’s how loved and respected Sec. Robredo was. Mayor Gazmen considers him her mentor and friend. In the past when the going got tough with seemingly insurmountable problems, “siya ang takbuhan ko,” she told us. “And he would always encourage me to go on with courage. Lumabas ka then pagbalik mo, trabaho ulit, he would always advise.”

Mayor is a much-awarded city executive, having done a lot to propel Iriga to progress in the eight years she served the city. The New Government Center, built during her term, is fully computerized; they now have an impressive library and museum, their roads improved, they also have two ambulances, the income of the people is now higher, and hopefully the Call Center that is also one of her projects will push through very soon. The Gawad Kalinga Character Village, built to provide homes to the city’s homeless families, is also now a favorite tourist attraction.

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‘Disney Live!’

At Smart-Araneta

“Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show,” Feld Entertainment’s all-new live stage production starring Mickey Mouse in a fun-filled road trip and talent search adventure, is now at Smart-Araneta Coliseum until Sept.15. Spotlighting favorite Disney characters such as the ever-lovable Tigger; Cinderella and her comical stepsisters; and Buzz Lightyear, Woody and friends from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story; “Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show” unfolds through an original, laugh-out-loud storyline that whisks audiences away on a wacky journey.

Produced by Kenneth Feld and Alana Feld, the show revolves around a one-of-a-kind, unpredictable road trip as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald spontaneously attempt to round up amazing acts for their talent show. Thanks to Mickey’s fantastical bus, they are able to soar over mountains and plunge underwater to complete their search for performers.

“Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show” spotlights beloved characters performing a variety of talents as they sing and dance to a mix of hip Disney tunes.

For more details, visit www.disneylive.com.ph. Tickets are available in all TicketNet outlets and can also be purchased online at www.ticketnet.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 9, go to veteran actress Luz Valdez, Fe Kagahastian, Rene Sarmiento, Dr. Ma. Lilia V. Encarnacion II, Inday Salazar, Mario Alexander Faelmar Figueroa Jr., Rosette Reyes Enriquez, Mrs. Adela E. Estaura of Guam, Michael Allen Eusebio (a.k.a. Ketchup), Desi B. Maniquis, Reginald Morales and Annette Sunga of UN ID-ME, Reynaldo Mendio of San Pedro, Laguna, and Renzo Cruz… Happy christening today to Adrielle Vien Juan Navarro and Drew Albert Pontrias Gerilla, reception follows at Joyful Tapsilogan Resto Bar, Carriedo St. Brgy. Muzon, CSJDM, Bulacan…